In a nutshell

The authors looked at the use of ABVD chemotherapy in children and young adults. They concluded that ABVD is an effective treatment in both age groups.

Some background

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is one of the most common cancers in children and young adults. HL is generally considered curable in children and young adults, and outcomes are continuing to improve with the introduction of new treatment protocols.

ABVD chemotherapy (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) has been used successfully in adults. Further investigation is needed to determine its usefulness in treating young adults, adolescents, and children.

Methods & findings

The medical records of 209 patients were reviewed. 55 patients were children below the age of 18. 154 patients were young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. The average length of follow-up was 66 months for both groups.

Overall, 92% of patients were in complete remission (CR, no sign of disease) after initial treatment with ABVD. Significantly more young adult patients were in complete remission (95%) than children (84%).

The overall 5-year progression free survival rate (time between diagnosis and disease progression) was 84%. The 5-year overall survival rate (time between diagnosis and death from any cause) was 97%.

In both age groups, patients with limited stage disease had better progression free survival and overall survival than patients with more advanced disease.

The bottom line

The authors concluded that ABVD is effective at treating children and young adults with HL, and young adults tend to have better treatment outcomes than young children.

Published By :

Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology

Date :

Mar 08, 2017

Original Title :

ABVD chemotherapy with reduced radiation therapy rates in children, adolescents and young adults with all stages of Hodgkin lymphoma.